lsantizo

From what I have read the best brake pads to use for overall quality, decreasing brake dust and squeaking are Akebono pads (not sure about the rotors). Trouble is, whenever I speak to a local shop or some online stores they don't seem to have the correct ones for my 2003 S430 and always try to push something else.

I would hate to buy these and then have them not work - has anyone purchased these for a 2003 and know they worked? Where did you get them?

An alternative I found was Midas with their Centric line of ceramic pads but I have heard great as well as horror stories from the "midas touch".

Anyone have experience there?

Thanks for the help.

Quadcammer

akebono euro ceramics:

$81 front, $65 rear on special:

http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/resul...Clar=With+TPMS

you can get the factory rotors at www.parts.com for a few hundred.

lsantizo

Thank you Oliver, I appreciate the specific link. I'll check them out!

I found a local shop who carries Akebono and is quoting $475 to do the front brakes (pads and rotors). Am I getting raped? My kids and wife ride in this car and I've never changed brakes before so I would definitely need someone to do it and just trying to find a fair price.

Thanks!

Quadcammer

$475 isn't too bad. Parts cost is probably about $230 or so. $240 for labor is about 2.5 hours which is fine for front brakes.

sounds fair to me.

tusabes

$475 is a good price if they are using OEM rotors and akebono pads.

My indy uses all OEM parts and charged me $480. DO NOT LET THEM USE CHEAP ROTORS that are sold on ebay and elsewhere...

lsantizo

Great, thank you all for the replies!